Consumer confidence soars nationally, falls in Florida

National consumer confidence extended its rebound in May, but Floridians grew slightly less optimistic, according to two studies released Tuesday.

The Conference Board’s Consumer Confidence Index soared to the highest level since September, hitting 54.9 from a 40.8 in April and 25.3 in February.

In Florida, though, consumers were more pessimistic than in April. The University of Florida Bureau of Economic and Business Research said consumer confidence fell to 71 in May from 72 in April.

“Floridians are saying in May they don’t have the money to buy, but they expect to within a year,” said Chris McCarty, the survey’s director. “They also expect the U.S. economy to improve over the next year, but are beginning to question its long-term viability. Perhaps consumers are questioning what comes after the stimulus money runs out.”